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Dry Eyes

Middle-aged woman rubbing her dry, discomforting eyes while sitting at a desk with a computer screen.

Dry eyes, also known as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occur when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep them adequately lubricated. It can cause irritation, blurred vision, and a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes.

  • Stinging or burning eyes
  • Gritty or sandy sensation
  • Redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes (a reflex to dryness)
  • Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
  • Prescription eye drops to increase tear production
  • Punctal plugs to block tear drainage
  • Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene
  • Reducing screen time and using humidifiers
  • Treating underlying conditions (e.g., blepharitis)
  • Aging (especially over age 50)
  • Long screen time or reading
  • Wind, smoke, or dry climate
  • Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants)
  • Contact lens use
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome)
  • Hormonal changes (especially in women)

Healthcare Providers

Symptoms

  • Stinging or burning eyes
  • Gritty or sandy sensation
  • Redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes (a reflex to dryness)

Causes

  • Aging (especially over age 50)
  • Long screen time or reading
  • Wind, smoke, or dry climate
  • Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants)
  • Contact lens use
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome)
  • Hormonal changes (especially in women)

Treatments

  • Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
  • Prescription eye drops to increase tear production
  • Punctal plugs to block tear drainage
  • Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene
  • Reducing screen time and using humidifiers
  • Treating underlying conditions (e.g., blepharitis)

Specialties That Treat This Condition

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